Glad to hear things are not so urgent & you sound calmer. If I udnerstand correctly, there will be a week in between scan & injection & you will have to say for a week after injection. If you plan on staying overnight when coming for the scan, why not see how you like the Helmsley rooms before deciding whether to stay there. Also remember that May 28-31 is Memorial Day weekend. Don't know how that will affect regular hotel prices.

McLaurie, we'd arrive on a Sunday, get the scan and see the doctor Monday & Tuesday, if all goes well, she gets an injection on Thursday. After that, we won't need to return to the hospital. However, we can't leave via airlines for a week due to the type of radiation they will be injecting.

What I was wondering is if we should try to get a hotel closer to all the action for the week we have to just sit around waiting for Mom to stop glowing ... LOL

If I can get online at one of the local libraries, I might be able to snag a deal on a 4* hotel via priceline. And if not, we'll just stay at the Helmsley.

RJW: I hope your sister is getting better. Glad to know the staff at MSK are so caring. Most cancer centers tend to be that way, fortunately! I guess there are places nearby to get some basic groceries, right?

Hi Heartburn3. No one can really make the decison for you about PL vs the Medical Tower, but here are some things to think about/find out. The neighborhood around the hospital is a very nice area. In addition to MSKCC, NYU Cornell Med Ctr is also there & there are a lot of apartment buildings both for hosp. staff & others. So there are a lot of delis, restaurants, & general services for a residential area. My friends who've stayed at the Med Towers had a lot of take out meals-food that was delivered-pizza, chinese, deli-almost anything you can imagine & the Helmsley gives you a list of local places both for delivery & eating out. So the kitchen is not just for cooking but also for having a fridge, dishes etc.. not to mention a table to eat comfortably. You might also want to check what you'd be getting for $155. It could be a 1 bedroom set up where you'd have a separate bedroom in case 1 of you wanted to nap while the other watched TV. I guess what I'm trying to say is the area's not so far from "the action" & having a kitchen can have more benefits than just being able to cook (& yes there'll be plenty of food stores).

The most important issue is whether you need a handicap accessible hotel & room. I'm not sure a Priceline hotel bid will/can guarantee this. You should read the rules & regs carefully before attempting a bid. Also, do you really want to be in a busy area on a holiday weekend pushing a wheelchair?

I certainly understand the appeal of saving possibly $40/day on a hotel but it may be for a much smaller room where your Mom might not be able to manage. Final thought, if you wanted to go out on your own & leave your Mom in the room to watch TV or sleep, if God forbid she needed help, you might feel more confident near the hospital in a facility designed for this.

There are other hospitals in the city that are really not near very much, but honestly this hsopital is not in a bad location. It would be walkable to Bloomingdales, for example. The only other place you might want to check is the Melrose. It's not far from the hospital & right near Bloomingdales & lots of shopping. There might be a discount available with SK

Don''t use Priceline if you MUST have any specific room feature, from two beds to handicap features.

I like to lend a hand while you are here, to show you around town or just be an extra pair of hands when needed. My Mother had cancer and was a Breast Cancer survior for more than 5 years, and passed 2 years ago because of smoking. She moved to NYC and I was her primary care giver for more than 6 months, so I know how difficult this time will be for you.

Please let me know if you need any help, we don't live very far from where you will be and there is so much to see in the city that you may want to take some time to enjoy this time of year.

My best thoughts for you and your family.

SALISBURY HOTEL on 57th & 7th (I believe) is definitely worth looking into. My in-laws stay there every fall fro 2-3 months!!! Quite reasonable and flexible. Just call and ask. You never know. 1888-NYC-5757 or nycsalisburyhotel.com. I believe every room has a kitchen. It's centrally located and just a short walk from Central Park.
GOOD LUCK with everything.

McLaurie -- thanks for all the info. We will probably stay at Helmsley Medical Towers the entire time we are there. I know it's in a very nice section of Manhattan, which is a major plus. You also reminded me about pushing Mom around in a wheelchair on crowded streets...UGH!! For $155 we will get a "Studio Apartment" with 2 full beds and a kitchen. For $20 more we can get a Junior Suite that has one Queen bed and a pull-out bed with a kitchen. I believe the studio apt will be just what we are looking for. I need to be in the same room with Mom in case she needs me during the night.

WANTSOMESUN -- thanks so much for the offer to show us around or help out. I know you'd be a great help if I need it. Please e-mail me at "[email protected]" I just might take you up on your offer. I at least want to get your contact info in case I have any questions. You are a sweetheart. And if you ever want some sun around Fort Lauderdale, just let me know and I'll point you in the right direction.

One thing is for sure, you definitely won't starve or get bored in NYC...LOL!

Thanks to everyone, again, for all your info, assistance, and encouragement.